Grab the Cozy Fleece for this Hike in Hawaii that’s 100% Worth Braving the Cold

When most malihinis think of Hawaii, they think of balmy beaches, perennially clear skies, and cornflower blue ocean. But people who really know Hawaii know it's much more diverse than that. Sure, lush forests blanket much of the landscape, but this state is also a mosaic of dry forest, arid shrubland, and rugged alpine habitat. If you're craving an outdoor excursion showcasing one of Hawaii's most precious biomes, head to Hilo, Hawai'i's Pu‘u Kalepeamoa Trail, which guides visitors through the sacred Mauna Kea region. Though this hike is perfect for beginners and families, you'll want to bundle up. Temperatures on this iconic volcano have plunged as low as 12 degrees Fahrenheit!

Soaring almost 14,000 feet above sea level, Mauna Kea is Hawaii's highest point, and one of the world's tallest tropical volcanos. It's also a place of tremendous spiritual significance to the Kanaka Maoli peoples, considered by many to be the home of the gods and the piko — or navel — of Hawaiʻi Island itself. Today, Mauna Kea is dotted with sites of painful conflict for Indigenous Hawaiians, including 13 controversial observatories, numerous access roads, and so on. As a non-Native person, I can only describe these incursions on the volcano as being tantamount to building kiosks, public restrooms, or even roads through the nave of Notre Dame. That is to say, it's unthinkable.

With this in mind, I strongly believe that visitors to Mauna Kea — particularly those, like me, without any Indigenous heritage — should be aware of its profound historical and cultural significance. Besides its breathtaking beauty, Pu‘u Kalepeamoa Trail is unforgettable because it winds through a sacred landscape, a place mapped by millennia of meaning. Take particular care to leave no trace and, if you're traveling with children, communicate to them the importance of staying on the trail and acting respectfully toward the environment.

Treating Mauna Kea with the reverence it deserves isn't just a gesture of cultural respect. It transforms your experience of this place, too. If you didn't know before you completed it, you wouldn't believe that Pu‘u Kalepeamoa Trail is only a mile long. As you navigate the narrow path, you'll be treated to innumerable vistas overlooking the landscape, each stunning enough to stop you in your tracks. Far from being a distraction, knowing the area's importance only heightens your awareness of its beauty.

If you're able, I highly recommend timing your visit to coincide with sunset. As twilight falls, the wind picks up, so you'll want to dress accordingly, but, if you're willing to brave the chill, it's a mesmerizing and moving experience.

If you're looking for an excursion showcasing one of Hawaii's most breathtaking and sacred landscapes, I highly recommend Hawai'i's Pu‘u Kalepeamoa Trail at the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve. You may want to bundle up for this short hike — alpine temperatures are known for being cold, particularly in the evening. Still, clocking in at just a mile long, this trek is perfect for beginners and families. Just be aware of the site's profound significance to the Kanaka Maoli peoples. The many lifetimes of meaning attached to Mauna Kea only heighten its otherworldly beauty.